I used to have a DIY platform in the bed of my first truck, a Toyota Tacoma. When I upgraded to a Chevy 2500, I built a similar platform, but its limitations were quickly apparent. With a longer bed, accessing anything at the front of the bed was a Major Payne. So I popped for the DECKED Drawer System.
Truthfully, it has been a massive upgrade to my truck bed storage system. But is it worth the money? Let’s investigate.
Article Overview
Why I Chose the DECKED Drawer System
I’d heard of this Idaho-based company for many years. I’d salivated over their truck bed storage system for quite a while. Damn, those targeted Instagram ads! So why did I choose DECKED? The answer is simple: their online reviews spoke for themselves. After some digging, I had a tough time turning up much negative feedback on the DECKED drawer system.
With compatibility across various vehicles, I was reassured that they knew the intricate details of designing a custom truck bed organization system for my long-bed Chevy. I wasn’t disappointed.
With a truck topper, I researched the remaining storage area I’d have about the DECKED system once installed. It would be plenty to accommodate anything I’d haul.
With tools, camping gear, and other essentials I keep in my truck all the time, I needed to be sure the DECKED drawers were watertight and secure. Water ingress hasn’t been an issue and DECKED offers keyed locks for added security.
One downside that almost stopped me was the potential loss of my truck bed’s full width for storage. But the side compartments, accessible via removable hatch covers, minimize that loss. Essentially you only lose roughly 6-9 inches where the three upright drawer supports rest.
With those important criteria met, I placed my DECKED order and waited for the box to arrive.
DECKED Truck Bed Drawer System Installation
Photos by DECKED
When it did, installing the DECKED drawer system was straightforward. Now, that’s not to say it’s a quick process. It took me roughly 2.5-3 hours, but I did most of the installation alone. DECKED recommends finding a partner and loading up a six-pack in your RTIC cooler before starting this installation. And after doing it alone—and with fewer than six beers—I must agree.
The good news? DECKED has excellent resources to guide your cargo system installation. From their printed instructions to a collection of Install Videos for each system, depending on vehicle type, there’s no shortage of guidance on how to install the DECKED truck bed drawer system. Here are a few of my additional tips based on my experience:
Get a buddy. Sure, it can be done solo. But it’ll be much easier, more fun, and less stressful on your body to have a helping hand, especially when lifting the components you assemble on the ground into the bed of your truck.
Ensure easy access. If you’re like me and have a truck topper, consider removing it before installing the drawer system. It’s not necessary—I installed it with the truck topper on—but it will make it much easier to access the corners of the bed to secure the entire drawer system in place.
Get a cordless compact ratchet. My impact driver worked okay, but some aspects of the installation would’ve been much easier with a ratchet driver.
Is the DECKED Drawer System Worth It?
The DECKED truck bed drawer system has been my favorite upgrade to my truck. The peace of mind to have secure storage is great, but I love the ease of organization just as much. I also love having all my essentials safe, secure, and organized while retaining the ability to load and haul downed tree limbs, piles of vines I’m ripping out of the front yard, or pavers for another landscaping project.
It’s a massive upgrade over my original DIY truck bed platform. Oh, and did I mention the DECKED Accessory Pack that I got with it? It came with two tool boxes of different sizes, two drawer dividers, a drawer organizer bin, four stash bins for the side compartments, and four D-ring tie-downs that were quickly and easy to mount directly to the top of the platform.
Honestly, it has made using my truck bed easier, regardless of purpose. Loading and hauling yard waste for landscaping projects? Check. Keeping my truck tools and essentials organized and secure? Check. Being durable enough to load a portable generator, camping chairs, and other RV gear for extended getaways? No problem.
So, are you interested in adding the DECKED drawer system to your truck bed?
What Do I Store in the DECKED System?
The two drawers hold the bulk of my truck essentials right now. I only utilize the side stash bins when loading up for an extended trip. Those stash bins are great for ratchet straps, and the inserts make them perfect for smaller tools and supplies that don’t have a home elsewhere.
With my current setup, I have the two DECKED toolboxes in one drawer. I use the drawer dividers in that drawer as well, giving me one drawer that holds all my tools. At the back of that drawer, I have additional toolboxes in the remaining storage space.
I kept the other drawer divider-free for storing larger items like my folding camp table and chairs, tarps, another tool bag with my impact driver and cordless drill, a mechanic’s socket set, and a few tarps because…just in case right?!
What will you store in yours?
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Do you have any questions about the DECKED drawers? Let us know in the comments below!
